Residents are being told to expect an increased police presence
Protests were also held at the Best Western Hotel last weekend(Image: Ryan Jenkinson | Manchester Evening News)
Police made six arrests as protestors demonstrated outside a hotel in south Manchester.
The demonstration took place this afternoon at the Best Western Hotel on Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield, which is understood to be accommodating asylum seekers.
It is the latest in a series of protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country. Demonstrations have taken place earlier this week at the same hotel as well at other premises including Cresta Court in Altrincham and the Victoria Hotel in Chadderton, Oldham.
In a statement released tonight, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers had made six arrests. Two people have been held on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences.
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One person was arrested on suspicion of theft of police equipment, another was held on suspicion of assault and another person was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.
The force said that a man was arrested inside the hotel on suspicion of outraging public decency. GMP said residents should expect to see an increased presence in the area tonight.
Officers have been given increased powers to order people to leave the area if they are deemed to be causing harassment, alarm or distress.
GMP said in a statement: “A Section 34 dispersal order has been authorised in the South Manchester area, following a number of arrests at a protest outside a hotel on Wilmslow Road. There will be an increase in police presence around the wider area, with officers patrolling around nearby streets.
“Officers will have the power to instruct and advise anyone who is causing, or very likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress to leave an area immediately. As of publication, six arrests have been made as part of the work being done in the scene.
“The order will remain in place until midnight tonight. This includes – Two arrests on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences. One on suspicion of theft of police equipment One on suspicion of assault. One on suspicion of indecent exposure
“One further arrest has taken place inside the hotel, and relates to a man being arrested on suspicion of outraging public indecency. All remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing.
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“Anyone with any information regarding the incidents is asked to contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1185 of 07/09/25. You can also do this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Chief Inspector Trevor Eaton of GMP said: “This dispersal order has been put in place to prevent offences from occurring and give police the powers to move people on from the area.
“We will always respect the right to peacefully protest, while making sure to take the appropriate action to ensure that those who live, work, or visit here can feel safe to go about their daily business.”